By Luke Adams |
at June 25, 2012 6:51 pm
A number of the rumors we've already covered today involve the draft in some way, whether it's the Rockets looking to acquire top-10 picks to flip for Dwight Howard, or the Bulls' disinterest in trading Luol Deng for a package that includes the Warriors' No. 7 pick. But there are still so many draft-related odds and ends out there that we'll continue to publish daily Draft Updates posts this week, for the latest news on workouts and rumors about what teams are thinking. Here are today's items, with the newest additions added to the top of the page throughout the day….
- New Bobcats head coach Mike Dunlap thinks trading the team's No. 2 pick to strengthen its roster with multiple players makes sense, according to an Associated Press report (via ESPN.com).
- Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle says Rockets head coach Kevin McHale is pleased with the depth of talent available in the draft but would like to add another veteran to his current roster.
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Earlier updates:
- It sounds like John Henson was the standout of the Pistons' workout today, which included Meyers Leonard, Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones III, and Terrence Jones, says Chad Ford of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com publishes his latest mock draft, which includes both rounds, and has a separate piece up on potential under-the-radar prospects.
- Although earlier today he heard from one general manager (linked below) who was bearish on Jared Sullinger, Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio talks to another GM who says Sullinger's slide has been greatly exaggerated (Twitter link). "Sullinger will lead all rookies in rebounding," one GM told Amico. "So yeah, please, let him drop to us" (Twitter link).
- In a pair of tweets, the Timberwolves announced the participants in their Tuesday workout, which will include Fab Melo.
- Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv hears from a source close to Moe Harkless that he thinks the Trail Blazers will select Harkless at No. 11.
- Speaking to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, Raptors executive Ed Stefanski expressed excitement about last year's fifth overall pick Jonas Valanciunas. Stefanski also conceded that the Raps could take more of a long-term project at No. 8 this year if they so choose, since the team will essentially be adding two lottery picks.
- If Jared Sullinger somehow fell to No. 29, he'd be a terrific fit for the Bulls, says ESPN.com's David Thorpe (Insider link).
- Meyers Leonard will work out for the Sixers tomorrow, the team announced in a press release.
- A GM drafting in the 20s said he probably wouldn't take Jared Sullinger if he were available, tweets Sam Amico. Amico also published his third of four mock drafts today at FOX Sports Ohio.
- Today's Trail Blazers workout is headlined by Jeremy Lamb, as Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com tweets.
- In the "Nobody Asked Me, But…" section of his weekly column for NBA.com, TNT's David Aldridge runs through the top 15 picks of the draft and passes along what he's hearing. There's a lot of good info in the piece, which is worth checking out, but here's one highlight: The Cavs are dangling Anderson Varejao and the No. 24 pick in an attempt to land a second top-five pick, but the Bobcats, Wizards, and Kings don't appear to have any interest.
- Version 9.0 of Chad Ford's mock draft is up at ESPN.com, and it includes both the first and second rounds (Insider-only links).
- Within a column at Bulls.com, Sam Smith writes of "suspicion around the league" that reports of Jared Sullinger's medical issues were pushed by a team in the mid-first-round, in hopes that Sullinger would slip. For what it's worth, ESPN's Andy Katz reports that the league didn't invite Sullinger to the Green Room for the draft, based on rumblings that he won't go in the top 15 (Twitter link).
- Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld examines which members of this year's draft class, besides Anthony Davis, have the potential to be franchise players.
- The Sixers are still deciding whether they want to draft a big man or a shooter like Terrence Ross, writes Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News.
- The official sites for the Bucks and Raptors list the prospects working out for the two teams today. Most are second-round candidates.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 25, 2012 2:05 pm
SI.com's Sam Amick says he'd be surprised if there weren't a few trades finalized this week, particularly on draft night. Amick points to the Rockets, who own the 14th and 16th overall picks in the first round, as a prime candidate to be involved in draft-day deals, confirming ESPN.com's report that the Kings are among the teams talking to Houston. Amick shares a number of other draft-related updates, and one non-draft rumor via Sulia. Here are the highlights….
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- The "message is spreading" following Danny Ferry's hiring this morning that the Hawks' new president and GM is looking to shake up the team's roster. Josh Smith has long been considered the most likely trade candidate in Atlanta.
- The Bucks have considered trading down from No. 12, and would look at Will Barton in that case.
- The Nets are exploring the possibility of getting into the first round, looking for any assets that could help convince Deron Williams to re-sign.
- Amick names the No. 2 and No. 6 picks as potential turning points. The Bobcats' pick at No. 2 figures to dictate how the next three picks go, while Damian Lillard is a legit possibility for the Blazers at sixth overall, meaning Andre Drummond could slip.
- Moe Harkless and Austin Rivers are among the players whose draft stick is rising, while Perry Jones III is falling, says Amick.
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By Daniel Seco |
at June 24, 2012 10:24 pm
With the draft just four days away, teams are scurrying to get their plans in order before Thursday evening's big event in Newark, NJ. Saturday saw another full slate of draft rumors and Sunday's already shaping up to look the same. Ft. Worth Star-Telegram's Dwain Price reports the Mavs will be looking to add a rotation-type player with the 17th pick. We'll keep track of all of the day's latest draft news and happenings with the most recent information on top.
- The Rockets are looking to move into the top 10, dangling some combination of picks 14, 16 and Kyle Lowry, says Chad Ford. Ford suspects that the Rockets are eyeing UConn's Andre Drummond and could be speaking with the Kings at pick 5 and the Raptors at pick 8.
- Jodie Valade addresses the comparisons between Bradley Beal and Ray Allen in a story for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, implying that Beal could be more versatile than Allen.
- Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group takes a look at potential Warriors targets Moe Harkless, Terrence Ross and Quincy Miller and where the selection of the three wings would make sense for Golden State.
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Earlier updates:
- The Jazz have a history of striking gold in the second round, writes Steve Luhm of the Salt Lake Tribune. The Jazz pick 47th on Thursday, the same pick they have found second round steals Paul Millsap and Mo Williams with in recent drafts.
- Matt Steinmetz from CSN Bay Area has more on Moe Harkless' workout with the Warriors, including video of him answering questions from the media.
- Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops revealed a number of draft related items via Twitter/Sulia feed, including that the Wizards are looking to swap picks with the Bobcats to ensure they land Bradley Beal.
- ESPN's David Thorpe, in an insider piece, takes a look at what the Warriors and Magic should be looking for. Golden State picks seventh and Orlando 19th.
- Frank Fitzpatrick of the Philadelphia Inquirer put together a profile on Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who went to high school in New Jersey.
- Kevin Massoth of USA Today examines the tough decision Bradley Beal faced on entering the draft versus returning for his sophomore season at Florida.
- Sam Amick of SI.com tweets that Moe Harkless, after working out for the Warriors (pick seven), will work out for the Kings (pick five) who are showing serious interest. Terrence Ross was supposed to work out against Harkless in Golden State, but couldn't because of an ankle injury (via Rusty Simmons on Twitter).
- Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune says Royce White, while blessed with immense talent, could be the hardest player to project given his star-crossed journey to the NBA draft.
- The Knicks will work out Erving Walker, Oscar Bellfield, Marcus Denmon and Harouna Mutombo on Monday, tweets Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog.com.
- The Cavs are currently trying to trade for the Bobcats' No. 2 pick, but FOX Sports Ohio's Sam Amico says he would be surprised if a deal came to fruition (via Twitter).
- The News-Herald's Bob Finnan has the latest news on the Cavs' draft plans and rumors from around the league.
- The Sixers plan to draft for talent rather than to fill a specific need, writes John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal says to look for the Grizzlies to select a shooting guard such as Vanderbilt's John Jenkins with the 25th pick in the draft.
- This year's draft will have more of an American feel as executives have seemingly cooled on the international talent pool, suggests Dwain Price of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram.
- The Sacramento Bee's Ailene Voisin says the Kings will have numerous options to consider as they head into Thursday's draft armed with the fifth overall pick.
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 23, 2012 8:37 pm
We've already covered a few draft rumors today, and Zach Links went in-depth on West Virginia power forward Kevin Jones in our latest Prospect Profile. There's plenty more going on as the draft approaches, including news from John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer that the Sixers put point guard Marquis Teague through an "exhaustive" individual workout this morning. Bookmark this post for the rest of the day's draft news, with latest on top.
- Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star has an article on the Pacers' scouting staff as they prepare to pick 26th overall in Thursday's draft.
- Kurt Helin of NBC Sports looks at several players with the potential to become the second-best talents in the draft.
- Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News suggests Meyers Leonard as a possible fit for the Warriors.
- The Lakers are in talks to acquire a first-round pick, and could be after the Heat's selection at No. 27, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio tweets.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer offers his thoughts on the implications of a rumored swap of the second and fourth picks by the Bobcats and Cavs.
- Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News Group thinks the Warriors could trade down from No. 7 and still get the player they want, unless it's Damian Lillard or Dion Waiters. He also believes the team will give serious consideration to Andre Drummond (Twitter links).
- We have the latest from Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com in a separate post.
Earlier updates:
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- Nick Menta and Josh Jurnavoy of CSNPhilly.com have details on today's Sixers big man workout featuring Perry Jones III, Terrence Jones, Arnett Moultrie, Andrew Nicholson, John Henson and Tyler Zeller.
- If the Warriors draft a big man with the seventh pick, it will be either Tyler Zeller or Meyers Leonard, according to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle. Simmons also has a list of the players who will work out Sunday for the Warriors, joining Moe Harkless (Sulia links).
- Steve Luhm of The Salt Lake Tribune shares Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor's thoughts on trading into the first round. "Just because we're quiet doesn't mean we're not working," O'Connor said. "We're talking to a lot of people about a lot of things" (Twitter links).
- St. John's small forward Moe Harkless is drawing heavy interest from the Warriors, Blazers and Kings, says Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv. The small forward from St. John's will work out Sunday for the Warriors and Monday for the Kings (Twitter links).
- Tony Wroten, Andrew Nicholson and Kevin Jones highlight the players auditioning Monday for the Grizzlies, who will bring Marquis Teague in Tuesday for a workout, reports Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
- Ryan Blake, the NBA's director of scouting, doesn't foresee either Terrence Jones or Perry Jones III being available when the Mavs pick 17th, tweets Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- Sam Amick of SI.com explains why Mike Scott, Will Barton, Scott Machado, Tony Wroten and Kyle O'Quinn are potential sleepers.
- Hornets coach Dell Demps believes the 46th pick is valuable considering the depth of the draft, tweets Jim Eichenhofer of Hornets.com, and says the team is "looking at every possible opportunity with the No. 10 pick," tweets John Reid of The Times-Picayune.
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 23, 2012 4:27 pm
We're tracking most of today's draft updates here, but Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com has a piece that deserves some extra attention. Howard-Cooper also wrote about the pressure on new Warriors GM Bob Myers today, as we noted, and he has more here on potential choices for Golden State at No. 7 and a player whose stock is on the rise.
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- A GM told Howard-Cooper not to be surprised if St. John's small forward Moe Harkless winds up in the lottery. We've already heard that Harkess is drawing heavy interest from the Warriors, Blazers and Kings.
- This week's trade with the Wizards increases the Hornets' need for a center with the No. 10 pick. That's bad news for the Blazers and Bucks, also in the market for a big man. Howard-Cooper believes Andre Drummond, Meyers Leonard and Tyler Zeller will all be off the board by the time Portland makes its second pick at No. 11.
- The Warriors are giving strong consideration to drafting Dion Waiters at No. 7 and making him the team's third guard behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The team likes Damian Lillard, too, but he might not be available.
- Royce White, who one executive compares to Anthony Mason, should go somewhere between 15th and 25th.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 22, 2012 12:35 pm
We've already linked one Friday piece from ESPN.com's Chad Ford in our daily Draft Updates post, but Ford is back with another Insider-only column full of draft news and rumors. Here are his newest items on the Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, and more….
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- Meyers Leonard and John Henson appear to be the favorites to be drafted by the Pistons at No. 9, but if Andre Drummond manages to fall, Detroit would likely snap him up. There are scenarios in which Drummond could slip, since he has reportedly struggled in workouts and hasn't received strong feedback from teams.
- If Leonard and Tyler Zeller are both off the board at No. 12, the Bucks could switch gears and draft a wing player, with Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Ross, and Moe Harkless all possibilities.
- Lamb was forced to cancel workouts after suffering a high ankle sprain during a Toronto workout, but would like to get in a few more before the draft, if he can. The Blazers and Suns are among the teams "clamoring to get him in," and the Raptors would like to get a longer look at him too.
- After reporting yesterday that White has received a guarantee from the Celtics, Ford isn't surprised to hear his report being strongly denied. He believes his sources are strong, but cautions that draft promises are hard to nail down and that the guarantee could have come from the Hawks at No. 23.
- The Rockets would love to move up into the top five, but don't want to give up a ton of assets. They feel like the middle of the draft is strong, and have turned down one offer to package picks 14 and 16 for a top-10 choice, according to Ford. While the top big men (Drummond, Leonard, Zeller) may not be around at No. 14, the Rockets have other ways of acquiring a center, and could target Roy Hibbert and Omer Asik in restricted free agency, says Ford.
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 16, 2012 8:53 am
Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times tweeted last night about the workout the Bucks have scheduled today for wing players Will Barton and Evan Fournier, as we noted in our roundup of Friday's draft rumors. Woelfel has a full report today on those two and fringe draft pick Ramone Moore, who's also working out for the Bucks today. He also shares news from around the league on a possible extension for Brandon Jennings, teams willing to trade draft picks, and rising and falling draft stocks.
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- The Celtics, Rockets, Blazers, Grizzlies and Thunder are "definitely open" to trading their picks, Woelfel says.
- The Bucks have yet to begin in-depth discussions with Bill Duffy, the agent for Brandon Jennings, on an extension for his client. The team has until October to lock Jennings up before he becomes eligible for restricted free agency next summer.
- Woelfel identifies three players whose draft stock is rising: Mason Plumlee, Moe Harkless and Fab Melo. Going the opposite direction are Jared Sullinger, as teams are worried about issues with his back, and Perry Jones III.
- Jeremy Lamb was originally supposed to take part in today's Bucks workout before spraining his ankle during a Raptors workout earlier this week. Woelfel says there's a "reasonably good chance" Lamb will still audition for Milwaukee. The same can't be said for Austin Rivers, who's unlikely to work out for the Bucks.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 14, 2012 8:46 pm
The countdown until the 2012 draft is down to two weeks, and this week has been heavy on workouts and trade speculation. We'll track the latest news and rumors on both fronts, along with a handful of other draft-related items, right here. New updates will be added to the top of the page throughout the day….
- According to their official website, the Pacers will work out Evan Fournier, Ashton Gibbs, Travis Hyman, John Jenkins, Josh Owens, and Tony Wroten Jr. on Friday.
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Earlier updates:
- Charles F. Gardner Journal Sentinel reported that the Bucks hosted a pre-draft workout today which featured Tyler Zeller, Meyers Leonard, Fab Melo, and Kyle O'Quinn.
- Aside from Anthony Davis, ESPN's Ric Bucher thinks that this year's draft still contains big men with star potential, focusing specifically on Andre Drummond, Meyers Leonard, and Thomas Robinson (Insiders only).
- Sean Meagher of The Oregonian presents the video interview of Perry Jones III after his workout for the Trail Blazers.
- Nate Mulberg of CSN Philly discusses the mutual interest between the 76ers and Terrence Ross.
- Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld quoted an NBA executive who thinks that the lottery is loaded with impact rotation players, but not impact starters. Pincus also offered highlights from interviews with JaMychal Green and Kevin Jones.
- Tomorrow's workout schedule for the Wizards includes Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Austin Rivers, Terrence Ross, and Tomas Satoransky, according to Michael Lee of The Washington Post (Twitter link). Gene Wang, also of The Washington Post, wrote about today's workout with Hollis Thompson.
- Stephen Hewitt of WEEI.com provided a breakdown of Mitchell Watt, a 6'10'' forward out of Buffalo who could be a realistic target for the Celtics' second round pick (51st overall).
- Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com wrote an interesting piece on the mental toughness of 27-year-old draft hopeful Bernard James, a 6'10'' power forward who served in the Air Force and did tours in Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq before starring at Florida State. Howard-Cooper also tweeted an update on John Henson, saying that he has no plans to rest his injured ankle in the midst of upcoming workouts with the Suns, Rockets, Bucks, Cavaliers, Raptors, Pistons, and 76ers.
- Darren Heitner of Sports Agent Blog briefly documents the separation of Renardo Sidney and his agent, Johnny Foster.
- Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld believes John Jenkins and the Bulls could be a perfect fit at pick No. 29.
- Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com published the second version of his mock draft today.
- Thomas Robinson will work out for the Bobcats on June 22nd, according to SI.com's Sam Amick (Sulia link). Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com calls Robinson the "clear frontrunner" to be picked second overall (Twitter link).
- Jeremy Lamb turned an ankle at his Raptors workout this morning, but it's not serious, tweets Sam Amick of SI. According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress (via Twitter), the ankle is sprained, and Lamb will cancel at least his workout with the Blazers.
- The Sixers announced in a press release today that they'll work out Moe Harkless and Hollis Thompson tomorrow.
- Arnett Moultrie is the biggest name among the six players working out for the Trail Blazers today, tweets Joe Freeman of the Oregonian.
- Harrison Barnes and Bradley Beal will work out against one another for the Cavaliers on Saturday, according to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). The two players are the most likely candidates to be picked at No. 4 by Cleveland, so that will be an intriguing workout.
- Discussing potential targets for the Bobcats if they trade their No. 2 pick, Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com names James Harden as a possibility. It's not clear of Goodman's source, who says Harden "could be in play," means the Bobcats will pursue Harden or the Thunder could make him available. Either way, I'm skeptical about how realistic that scenario is. Even with the long-term cap restraints facing the Thunder, overhauling the roster mere days after making the Finals seems unlikely.
- SI.com's Sam Amick examines the question marks surrounding John Henson and the rising stock of Miles Plumlee in his latest draft piece.
- Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld compares Perry Jones III to Jordan Hamilton, who slipped to 26th overall last year because most teams thought the risk outweighed the upside. Within the same piece, Kyler also says the odds the Bobcats keep a player the select at No. 2 overall are "extremely slim."
- The Raptors have a big day of workouts scheduled, with Jeremy Lamb highlighting the first session, Austin Rivers in the second, and Harrison Barnes in an individual workout. Jay Satur of Raptors.com has the details. Unfortunately, Eric Koreen of the National Post passes along a bit of bad news from the first session, tweeting that Lamb left the workout with an apparent injury.
- Chad Ford tries his hand at predicting where the players on the first-round bubble will land in an Insider piece for ESPN.com.
- Will Barton and five other prospects will work out for the Pacers today, according to Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star.
- The Pistons' workouts so far suggest they're eyeing big men not just with their first-round pick but in the second round as well, says Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News.
- Bucks.com profiles the prospects that Milwaukee will be working out today.
- Damian Lillard thinks he's ready to be an NBA starter, but he probably won't be a fit for the Kings at No. 5, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 12, 2012 3:47 pm
We'll track the day's draft-related news and rumors here, with the newest updates up top:
- Jonathon Givony of DraftExpress has measurements from Chicago's draft combine, including max verticals for all the prospects in attendance.
- Neither Perry Jones III or Terrence Jones blew away Warriors management when they worked out for Golden State, writes Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group. The Warriors continue to hope they can use their lottery pick to upgrade at small forward, and both Joneses project as power forwards.
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Earlier updates:
- Doron Lamb, Moe Harkless, Royce White, Fab Melo, and Quincy Miller are among the prospects scheduled to work out for the Hawks, the team announced today.
- David Thorpe of ESPN.com (Insider link) identifies the Hornets, Bobcats, and Celtics as three teams who could see an immediate impact from their draft picks this year.
- Jared Sullinger is among the prospects the Trail Blazers are working out tomorrow, while Tony Wroten will work out with the team next Wednesday, says Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com.
- Kentucky's Darius Miller tells Michael Lee of the Washington Post that he'd love the chance to play with former Wildcat teammate John Wall on the Wizards.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 11, 2012 12:27 pm
We'll be following most of today's draft notes here, but the latest column from ESPN.com's Chad Ford (Insider link) featured enough items of interest that it required its own post. Here are some of the highlights from ESPN.com's draft guru:
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- As expected, there's no chance the Hornets are trading the No. 1 pick. According to Ford, the Cavaliers offered all their picks this year (Nos. 4, 24, 33, 34), and were quickly turned down.
- Ford is hearing that Bobcats owner Michael Jordan "isn't sold on" Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and that Thomas Robinson is a possibility at No. 2. The Bobcats are also seriously considering trading the second overall selection for multiple picks.
- Although GM Bryan Colangelo denied making a promise to Dion Waiters, the Raptors may still take him if he's available at No. 8, says Ford.
- Ford hears rumblings that Austin Rivers may have received a guarantee from a team in the lottery.
- Andrew Nicholson is unlikely to slip past the Celtics' pair of picks in the early twenties.
- Damian Lillard is a candidate to be selected as high as No. 6 by the Trail Blazers, while Moe Harkless could go as high as seventh or eighth, to the Warriors or Raptors.
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